Fire crews have been called out to tackle wildfires in West Cumbria.
The fires were on open ground in Kirkland Leaps, near Ennerdale yesterday, Saturday April 12.
Cumbria Crack photographer Elwyn Evans was out at around 6.30am with his dog when he saw fire engines speed to the scene.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called at 10.45pm on Friday, April 11, to a moorland on the fellside near to Cauda Brow in Ennerdale.
“Four fire engines attended from Workington, Whitehaven and Maryport, as well as two wildfire teams from Keswick and Millom and a water bowser from Maryport.
“Our crews used knapsacks and beaters to tackle the fire and remained at the scene for several hours.”
Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service said that the risk of wildfires was currently heightened due to the hot, dry conditions.
It asked people to take the following steps to help reduce the risk:
- Don’t bring a disposable barbecue – our county has plenty of local businesses serving amazing food and drink, or you could pack a picnic
- Avoid lighting campfires outside of designated areas – never leave them unattended and make sure they are extinguished fully
- Take your litter home with you – respect our communities and environment
- Dispose of cigarettes and smoking materials safely – put it out, right out
If you do see a fire, always move to safety and call 999. Do not attempt to tackle the fire yourself.
Give as much information as you can about the size and location of the fire, and the terrain nearby – download the what3words app to make sure you can give a precise location for a faster response: what3words.com/products/what3words-app
